Diary of a Makaton Tutor: Online Training and an Inspiring Visit to Burley Inclusive Campus

One of the things I enjoy most about being a Makaton Tutor is the variety each week brings. This week was a wonderful reminder of how communication and inclusion sit at the heart of so many different organisations and communities.

Delivering Online Makaton Training

The week began with delivering online Makaton training for a health and social care provider. Online sessions continue to demonstrate how accessible and effective Makaton training can be, bringing together professionals from different locations who share a common goal of improving communication and supporting the people they work with.

Throughout the training, we explored practical signs and symbols, discussed real-life applications within health and social care settings, and shared examples of how Makaton can help reduce communication barriers. It was encouraging to see participants actively engaging, asking thoughtful questions, and considering how they could immediately apply their learning within their own services.

One of the most rewarding aspects of training is seeing confidence grow throughout the session. By the end of the day, participants were already discussing ways to embed Makaton into daily interactions, helping to create more inclusive and person-centred environments.

Visiting Burley Inclusive Campus Opening Day

Later in the week, I had the pleasure of attending the opening day of the new campus at Burley Inclusive.

From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this was much more than a building opening. The event celebrated a community built around supporting young people to achieve their potential in ways that work for them.

The day featured learner-led tours, providing visitors with a genuine insight into the campus and the opportunities available. Hearing directly from learners about their experiences, achievements, and aspirations brought the campus to life and demonstrated the impact of Burley Inclusive's approach.

Visitors were also treated to live music from the Steel Squid Collective band, whose performance added a fantastic atmosphere to the celebrations. The group is a learner-led initiative that reflects the organisation's commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for creativity, confidence-building, and self-expression.

Of course, no community celebration would be complete without food, and a BBQ brought everyone together, creating a welcoming and relaxed environment for learners, families, staff, and visitors to connect.

I was also pleased to receive a comprehensive prospectus, which highlighted the breadth of opportunities available through Burley Inclusive and their commitment to supporting learners as individuals.

A Vision Built on Inclusion

What particularly stood out during the visit was the story behind the organisation.

Founded by Adam Burley in 2014, Burley Inclusive was established with one simple aim: to provide tailored learning for young people who struggle with traditional further education settings. The organisation has developed a distinctive approach that combines personalised education with community-based learning experiences, helping learners develop independence, confidence, life skills, and subject knowledge in real-world environments.

Burley Inclusive recognises that learning does not only happen in classrooms. By supporting learners within their local communities and creating bespoke programmes around individual needs and goals, Burley Inclusive helps young people build the skills and confidence needed for greater independence and future success.

Reflections

This week highlighted two important themes that run through much of my work: communication and inclusion.

Whether delivering Makaton training to health and social care professionals or visiting an organisation that is transforming educational opportunities for young people, the focus remains the same—creating environments where people are understood, valued, and supported to achieve their full potential.

It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm of professionals committed to improving communication through Makaton and equally inspiring to witness the passion and vision behind Burley Inclusive's new campus. Both experiences served as a reminder of the positive impact that inclusive practice can have on people's lives.

I look forward to seeing how both the health and social care teams and Burley Inclusive continue to develop and make a difference within their communities.